Alabama NFL roundup: Josh Jacobs makes pro debut

August 20, 2019

The Oakland Raiders did not play first-round running back Josh Jacobs in their opening preseason game. But in Oakland’s second preseason contest, Raiders coach Jon Gruden put the rookie from Alabama right to work against the Arizona Cardinals.

The first three snaps of the game were handoffs to Jacobs for runs between the tackles. He gained 6, 8 and 6 yards. After a pass completion, Jacobs had a 1-yard run. On the next play, the Raiders scored a touchdown and Jacobs’ first pro outing was over.

“I was mad at myself because they should have been bigger runs,” Jacobs said. “But I was just knocking off the rust and things like that. It’s slowing down for me already. That’s the only way I can really explain it.”

It was a small sample size, but Oakland quarterback Derek Carr said Jacobs had shown plenty of promise.

“Really good, right? His vision,” Carr said. “You know I’ve been able to hand the ball off to some really good running backs. I’ve played with some fun ones — MJD (Maurice Jones-Drew), D-Mac (Darren McFadden), Latavius (Murray), Marshawn (Lynch), Doug (Martin) — and that’s just the guys that’ve carried most of the footballs. I’ve played with a lot of good backs. Watching his vision was really impressive because I have the best seat in the house. I’m sitting back there playing Madden tell him to cut back and trying to run for him. He’s right up there with those guys.

“For him to do that, especially in his first game, I think the thing that rubbed off on me the most about Josh was his want-to. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh man, this is my first game.’ None of that. He was out there just trying to bully people. He was out there trying to run hard. He didn’t care that he’s a rookie. He’s trying to prove that he’s the best back in the NFL. That’s his mindset. Really impressed. Obviously, the runs and all of that, the offensive line did a great job, but more so impressed with his demeanor and mentality.”

Jacobs was among the 50 former Alabama players who got on the field during the second week of the 2019 NFL preseason.

Two other former Alabama players got on the field during the Raiders-Cardinals game:

· Packers cornerback Tony Brown made a tackle and broke up a pass while playing 24 of Green Bay’s 67 defensive snaps.

· Marlon Humphrey (Hoover) started at left cornerback for the Ravens. On the field for 15 defensive snaps, Humphrey made two tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.

· Mark Ingram made his preseason debut as the Ravens’ starting running back. He played seven snaps, getting the ball on four of Baltimore’s first six plays in the game and gaining 18 yards on the ground.

· Cyrus Jones started at cornerback for the Ravens. He recorded five tackles and one quarterback hit while playing a team-leading 34 defensive snaps.

· Packers punter JK Scott averaged 52.8 yards on six punts, with a net average of 44.3 yards. Scott’s longest punt was 64 yards, which resulted in a touchback.

· Ravens outside linebacker Tim Williams made one tackle on defense and one tackle on special teams. He played 19 defensive snaps and eight special-teams plays.

Buffalo Bills 27, Carolina Panthers 14

· Panthers offensive lineman Brandon Greene played every snap for Carolina in its preseason opener. In the second game, Greene came off the bench for 15 snaps before departing with an injury.

· Landon Collins started at strong safety for the Redskins and made two tackles while playing 18 snaps.

· Daron Payne (Shades Valley) started at nose tackle for the Redskins. He made two tackles and tipped a pass that was intercepted and returned 96 yards for a touchdown during his 11 snaps on the field.

· Redskins center Ross Pierschbacher was on the field for eight offensive snaps and three special-teams plays.

· Redskins wide receiver Cam Sims made one special-teams tackle and also took 18 snaps with Washington’s offense.

· D.J. Fluker (Foley) started at right guard for the Seahawks and played the first two offensive series.

· Jarran Reed started at defensive tackle for the Seahawks. He played 25 of Seattle’s 81 defensive snaps.

· Seahawks running back Bo Scarbrough (Northridge) did not play because of a groin injury.

· Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. caught five passes for 28 yards and his first pro touchdown. Smith caught a 3-yard TD pass with 1:05 left in the first half as the Vikings tied the game at 10-10. Smith played 26 offensive snaps.

New England Patriots 22, Tennessee Titans 17

· Rashaan Evans (Auburn High) started at inside linebacker for the Titans. He made one tackle while playing Tennessee’s first two defensive series.

· Damien Harris started at running back for the Patriots in his pro debut. Harris ran for 80 yards on 14 carries and caught four passes for 23 yards while playing half of New England’s 68 offensive snaps.